Westwood Lakes neighborhood gets official county recognition

More than 70 neighbors helped christen a newly named Westwood Lakes as a special part of Kendall on July 31, thanks to David Chambers and his mom, Juliet.

All were on hand to join Miami-Dade Commissioner Javier Souto at the corner of SW 47th Terrace to unveil a handsome new sign that tells motorists entering east off SW 117th Avenue they’re entering an official Miami Dade County neighborhood.

“I just thought our area should have an identity of its own,” explained David, an independent landscape contractor. “We have a great neighborhood of people and we want others to know it.”

His mother, Juliet Chambers, hosted a post-unveiling party that treated guests with champagne and Big Cheese samples at the Chambers’ home on SW 52nd Drive. From start to finish, it took three years to accomplish the job “but it was well worthwhile,” agreed both Chambers who credited Commissioner Souto with providing the financial “push” to complete the project.

The new sign, which cost approximately $15,000, was the work of artist Dave Martin who blended a sun over water with palm trees to create the neighborhood logo.

Bounded by Bird Road (north) and Miller Drive (south) from SW 117th Avenue east to SW102nd Avenue, Westwood Lakes covers an area of just under two square miles with 3,524 homes housing 11,838 residents, according to the 2010 census tract.

The area is served by three elementary schools — Cypress, Royal Palm and Tropical — and Riviera Middle School, as well as the St. Timothy Parish School.

David’s inspiration came from his service on the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, a 17-member group that advises the Metropolitan Planning Organization on bicycle and pedestrianrelated issues. His mother serves on a community beautification committee.

“Give David the real credit,” Juliet added. “He kept plugging away to get the job done.”